Suicide bombing strikes Damascus church, killing at least 15

A powerful explosion rocked the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Syria’s capital, Damascus, on Sunday, killing at least 15 people and injuring many others, according to security sources and state media.

Eyewitnesses and Syrian state TV confirmed that the blast was caused by a suicide bomber, who reportedly entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest during a Sunday service.

"A suicide attacker detonated an explosive belt inside the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of Damascus," Syria’s state broadcaster reported.

Footage from the scene, streamed live by the White Helmets, Syria’s civil defense group, showed shattered pews, pools of blood, and significant damage to the church’s interior. Reporters from the AFP news agency on site described splintered wood and scattered debris inside the church, with emergency services working to clear the area.

A security source speaking anonymously said the attack was carried out by two individuals, one of whom detonated the device. The Islamic State (ISIS) is suspected to be behind the bombing, marking the first suicide attack inside Damascus since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December.

Current Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed leadership in January following an Islamist-led uprising that ousted Assad, has previously pledged to protect religious minorities during the country's transitional phase.

No group has yet officially claimed responsibility for the bombing. Investigations are ongoing.